Squirrel Pox in Wicklow

UCD Vet College confirmed the first case of squirrel pox in the Republic of Ireland over a week ago. Invasive Species Ireland tweeted this sad but not surprising news only today. I strongly suspect that there has been cases of squirrel pox in the Republic for years.

Approximately 4 years ago I came across two dead red squirrels on Caty Gallagher with all the symptoms. Not a pretty sight. The bodies are covered with blisters and sore swollen eyes. Not dissimilar from myxomatosis symptoms in rabbits. I should have had the initiative to send the bodies to the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Its the grey squirrel that carries the virus but is not susceptible to the disease itself. Squirrel pox is one of the reasons why are native reds are threatened. Whether this news helps conservation  of the reds remains to be seen. However, it will raise the awareness of the red squirrel plight.

There are currently various projects and studies occurring throughout Ireland and indeed Northern Ireland. The Forestry Service would appear to be more pro-active unlike its counterpart, Coillte down south. Coillte has been named an major party in the All Ireland Red Squirrel Action Plan. I very much doubt if Irish grey squirrels take any notice when entering Northern Ireland through nice wooded areas along the border. Though we would welcome any reds coming down South! Fair exchange?

Greetings from Carrick Gollogan

On this cold and Wintery night, I welcome anyone who wants to follow my new blog. I hope to bring a range of insights and views about a very special place in South County Dublin. Named Carrick Gollogan but her friends know her as Caty Gallagher. She is a small mountain (but really a hill). Her views stretch out as far as the Wicklow Mountains to the South, she can see on a clear day, the Mountains of Mourne and Snowdonia in North Wales on a really good day.